China New Visa Rules 2025 | Updated Visa-Free Entry & Transit Policies

China New Visa Rules 2025: Latest Visa-Free and Transit Policy Updates

China’s visa policies in 2025 have undergone significant updates to facilitate international travel, strengthen diplomatic ties, and boost tourism and business exchanges. Whether you are planning a visit, transit, or exploring new long-term stay options, understanding these changes will help you navigate China’s entry requirements smoothly.

Expanded Visa-Free Entry for 47 Countries

As of mid-2025, China extended its 30-day unilateral visa-free entry to passport holders from 47 countries, including many European nations, select Asian countries, and key South American states. This policy allows travelers from these nations to visit China for tourism, business, family visits, and transit for up to 30 days without applying for a visa in advance.

Countries benefiting from this expanded visa exemption include:

• Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and others

• Asia: South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

• South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay

This visa-free access policy is valid through December 31, 2025, with extensions available for some countries into mid-2026. Travelers should verify current eligibility before booking.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy Extended

China’s 240-hour visa-free transit now applies to citizens of 55 countries (expanded from previous lists), allowing eligible travelers to stay without a visa for up to 10 days while transiting through major Chinese cities and regions. Notably, American travelers can now enjoy longer transit stays in China under this policy.

This transit visa exemption covers over 60 entry ports in 24 provinces and cities, including key economic zones like:

• Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei

• Yangtze River Delta

• Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

The policy permits cross-regional travel within the designated areas during the transit period—improving mobility and tourism possibilities.

New Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreements

China has recently signed and ratified new mutual visa exemption agreements with several countries, easing travel for business and tourism purposes:

• Malaysia: Visa exemption for short stays up to 30 days, effective July 17, 2025

• Uzbekistan: Mutual visa-free travel for up to 30 days per visit, starting June 1, 2025

• Azerbaijan: Visa-free entry for stays not exceeding 30 days, effective July 16, 2025

These bilateral agreements generally exclude stays involving work, study, journalism, or residency, for which appropriate visas are required.

Other Important Updates

• China has broadened the list of eligible countries for various visa policies multiple times since late 2024, reflecting an ongoing effort to promote travel and international exchange.

• Visitors should provide valid passports, proof of travel purpose, return/onward tickets, and meet health and security requirements at entry.

• Travelers planning stays longer than 30 days or involving regulated activities must apply for the relevant visas before arrival.

Key Facts at a Glance

Update	Details
Visa-free entry countries	47 countries, 30-day stay limit
Visa-free entry policy valid until	December 31, 2025 (varies with extension)
240-hour visa-free transit	Up to 10 days for 55 countries
Key transit regions	24 provinces including Beijing, Yangtze Delta, Guangdong Bay Area
Bilateral visa exemptions	Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan (from mid-2025)
Visa-free eligibility excludes	Work, study, journalism, residency stays

How to Check and Apply for Your Visa

1. Confirm if your country is eligible for visa-free entry or transit through official Chinese government websites.

2. For visa-free transit, ensure your itinerary complies with requirements (entry and exit through approved ports).

3. If your travel purpose involves work, study, or long-term stay, apply for the appropriate visa in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates.

4. Monitor announcements for updates as China’s visa policy remains dynamic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which countries enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to China in 2025?Passport holders from 47 countries, including major European nations, select Asian and South American countries, are eligible for 30-day visa-free visits for tourism, business, family visits, and transit.

Q2: What is the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?It allows eligible travelers from designated countries to stay in China visa-free for up to 10 days when transiting through major cities and regions and permits movement across specific administrative areas.

Q3: Can visa-free travelers work or study in China?No, visa-free policies are exclusively for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or transit. Activities like employment, studying, journalism, or residency require formal visa applications.